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DHS Office of Health Affairs' Integrated Response Resources

Nov 17, 2015

[From the Department of Homeland Security Office of Health Affairs]

As the recent events in Paris so tragically demonstrate, we continue to face ongoing threats in an uncertain world. Active shooter events, the use of improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and the threat of complex attacks like those seen in Beslan, Russia; Mumbai, India; and now, Paris, France must be considered as at least plausible, if not probable.

A pre-planned, integrated response by all first responder disciplines is required in order to maximize effectiveness and improve the survivability of those injured in such attacks. Some of the considered actions may seem contrary to those responders indoctrinated in the time-honored doctrine of “scene safety trumps all”. The truth is that the first responder community now has decades of response and trauma data to be used as the foundation for evidence-based best practices.

Many communities have already established integrated response programs, and there is no reason for any jurisdiction to “reinvent the wheel” from scratch. While there is no “one-size fits all” solution to the challenge of integrated response, there are already model communities of different sizes and compositions. From rural to urban, volunteer to paid, and everything in between – somewhere, in a system a lot like yours, someone has already done much of the ground work. And the benefits of integrated response extend well beyond those realized during the rare terror attack. Relationships between police, fire, and EMS agencies that are formed (and enhanced) during pre-planning and training will pay great dividends during all requests for service from routine calls to natural disasters.

Below are just some of the many resources that already exist to help guide those communities who have decided to pursue a more prepared community through integrated response.

The DHS Office of Health Affairs stands ready to assist you as you endeavor to strengthen your response. If you need technical assistance, wish to consult with subject matter experts, or want to speak with other communities who have already developed integrated response programs, the Office of Health Affairs is well positioned to facilitate such introductions. We look forward to assisting you. Please contact us at Healthaffairs@HQ.DHS.GOV.